Yea - looks like B&H proprietary brand. The tripod by itself costs $289.95 from B&H and I don't think $398.95 for the kit that includes the head is a great price for something that doesn't seem to be reviewed anywhere. You'd be taking a flyer on it, it doesn't fold up small, has flip locks, not great really.
If you're looking for value it's worth checking out the Feisols (if you're tall) or the Benros directly from Hong Kong through eBay. They are known quantities and you can get a decent tripod/ballhead kit for about $50 less than what B&H are asking for this kit.
i ended up going with the Induro at 213 and the manfrotto 498RC2 ballhead. I'm wondering if I made the right decision on the induro, but it seems like a decent buy for the money. Paid $80 for the tripod and $111 for the head.
Aug 03, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
I have been reading one test of Oben tripods. It's the test at Lloyd Chambers diglloyd website. He compare the oben tripod against one Manfrotto and one Gitzo tripod. It got a rather good verdict in the review. But you need to have a subscription at his website to read it
Does that mean my 6 year old Dynatrans are on free time? The way they are going they may very well outlive me! They were ~$50 and included ballheads that are still going strong. I am under 10 bucks a year for each tripod.
Aug 07, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
runamuck wrote:
Does that mean my 6 year old Dynatrans are on free time? The way they are going they may very well outlive me! They were ~$50 and included ballheads that are still going strong. I am under 10 bucks a year for each tripod.
We have heard about your Dynatran in every tripod thread here But what has your tripod in common with the Oben CC-2310 Carbon Fiber Tripod and the BB-0 Ball Head
the availability of parts/service in the future is something i worry about as well. i went with the induro as $80 is not a lot to lose (worst case) and they do have seem to have good reviews.
I was also tempted by a 65" carbon fiber tripod best buy is selling. It's the rockefish brand so parts are probably nowhere to be found. But @ $165 that's not too bad.
I just returned my rockefish tripod to Best Buy today. It was nice for money but one leg insisted on slipping down and the platform could have been steadier. So now I'm in market for something better.
We have heard about your Dynatran in every tripod thread here But what has your tripod in common with the Oben CC-2310 Carbon Fiber Tripod and the BB-0 Ball Head
No, not every thread. But, hey, it''s okay if you're jealous. Meanwhile, I will just enjoy the free time on mine since these "unknown" tripods won't last 5 years.
digime wrote:
I just returned my rockefish tripod to Best Buy today. It was nice for money but one leg insisted on slipping down and the platform could have been steadier. So now I'm in market for something better.
I think you mean Rocketfish (what a terrible name). Look to Manfrotto for economical, yet solid Al tripods or Feisol for something decent in CF that does not break the bank.
digime wrote:
I just returned my rockefish tripod to Best Buy today. It was nice for money but one leg insisted on slipping down and the platform could have been steadier. So now I'm in market for something better.
No disrespect intended, but it seems lots of tripod buyers don't grasp the basic concept that there are only other two types of tripods - those which can support your gear properly (meaning on a per-pixel level, or better), and those that are just unsteady. If you're attempting to shoot with a tripod which is even a tiny bit unsteady, you're really better shooting with no tripod at all. It's been said here countless times, but it's a waste to buy any tripod which will have to be replaced later, either due to lack of stability or durability (undoubtedly with something better and more expensive). Save your pennies, buy something with a proven reputation for quality and reliability, and if your budget is limited, be prepared to sacrifice light-weight, and some niceties. Why even bother considering off-brand knock-offs or unknown names, when there are some many proven tripods available? Manfrotto, Feisol, Gitzo, etc., and look at pre-owned gear, too. You'll shoot better images, and save $ in the long run.
But what has your tripod in common with the Oben CC-2310 Carbon Fiber Tripod and the BB-0 Ball Head